Hello Everyone,
As we are making a commitment to Thanksgiving we need to be careful that we don’t “EXPRESS IT SO LITTLE”.
Some years ago, the cartoon pictured Charlie Brown bringing out Snoopy’s dinner on Thanksgiving Day. But it was just his usual dog food in a bowl. Snoopy took one look at the dog food and said, "This isn’t fair. The rest of the world today is eating turkey with all the trimmings and all I get is dog food. Because I’m a dog," he said, "all I get is dog food." He stood there and stared at his dog food for a moment and said, "I guess it could be worse. I could be a turkey."
Whenever we think life is unfair to us, we need to think again.
We could be a turkey at Thanksgiving!
We could have been born and raised in some third world country where the people have little or nothing!Instead of thinking about how little we have, we need to count up what we do have and give thanks!
In Los Angeles a parking ticket with a five-dollar bill attached arrived at the city police station. A note attached said: “I found this ticket on the sidewalk. Not knowing if the car owner has ever seen it, I would like to pay it for him—in gratitude for the occasions when I have parked over the allotted time and not received a ticket.”
How’s that for gratitude?
I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I am Thankful for.........
....the taxes I pay because it means I’m employed.
....the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
....my shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.
....a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.
....the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.
....my heating bill because it means I am warm.
....all the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech. ....the person behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I can hear.
....the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.
....the alarm clock that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I’m alive.
....the weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been productive.
The young man was feeling very proud of himself. As a brand new college graduate he had taken the C.P.A. Exams and passed with flying colors. Now he was a full-fledged Certified Public Accountant. His father had been an immigrant to the U.S., and now owned his own little business. Filled with self-importance, the young man began to criticize his father’s way of keeping books. He said, “Dad, you don’t even know how much profit you’ve made. Over here in this drawer are your accounts receivables. Over there are your receipts and you keep all your money in the cash register. You don’t have any idea how much money you’ve made.”The father answered, “Son, when I came to this country the only thing I owned was a pair of pants. Now, your brother is a doctor, your sister is an art teacher, and you are a C.P.A. Your mother and I own our home. We have a car and we own this little business. Now add that up, subtract the pair of pants and all the rest is profit.”
ADD IT UP! That’s exactly what we need to do this Thanksgiving. Add it all up. We came into this world with nothing but our eternal soul that God gave us. Everything else is profit. We can never give too much thanks to God!
Get it right. We have it so good. We enjoy it so much. And to often, we express it so little.I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Have a Great Thanksgiving
Teresa and I Love you and can’t wait to see you Sunday.
All for Jesus
Phil
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Slow Down and Thank God
Hello Everyone,
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
With all that God has blessed us with sometimes WE ENJOY IT SO MUCH.
I Tim. 6:17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
Sometimes we work so very hard to have fun in this life. ARE WE HAVING FUN YET? We say this some times on vacation when waiting in lines.We will do almost anything to have fun, so to speak, then complain and can’t get out of bed to go to work or go to church!
Someone said, “We worship our work, work at our play and play at our worship.”
II Tim. 3:1 “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.”
II Tim. 3:4-5 “…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”
God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment and we often enjoy it too much!
It’s all right to enjoy the blessings of God but not to the point where this is our main focus!
WE ARE NOT TO FOCUS ON THE GIFTS BUT RATHER THE GIVER OF THE GIFTS!
James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” If it’s good, it’s from God. BUT LET’S NOT FORGET GOD!I’ve heard it said that moderation is the key. I think this is true when it comes to enjoying the pleasures of this life. Too much can be too much. Too much of a good thing can destroy a person.
We have it so good and we enjoy it so much! Too much! It seems like we go “whole hog” when it comes to some things in life: eating, playing, pleasure, trips, collecting, etc.
Buffets are not where we just eat, but rather where we gorge ourselves. Our focus is on the food. Our focus is not on giving thanks for what we have but on how much we can get!It seems like we are never content, never satisfied with what we already have. WE ALWAYS WANT MORE.
The lust for more material things and more pleasure dominates and controls our lives to the point where God is put on the sidelines or pushed completely out of the picture of our lives.
I Tim. 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
SOME HAVE WANDERED FROM THE FAITH. When we lust for more and more of the things of this world, the things of God go out the window. Our faith is diluted or drained and done for. Its okay to enjoy the blessings of God but not to the point where they become the main focus of our lives and God is shoved to the sidelines or forgotten.
Be careful not to enjoy the blessings of God so much that we forget the One who has blessed us.
All for Jesus
Phil
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
With all that God has blessed us with sometimes WE ENJOY IT SO MUCH.
I Tim. 6:17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
Sometimes we work so very hard to have fun in this life. ARE WE HAVING FUN YET? We say this some times on vacation when waiting in lines.We will do almost anything to have fun, so to speak, then complain and can’t get out of bed to go to work or go to church!
Someone said, “We worship our work, work at our play and play at our worship.”
II Tim. 3:1 “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.”
II Tim. 3:4-5 “…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”
God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment and we often enjoy it too much!
It’s all right to enjoy the blessings of God but not to the point where this is our main focus!
WE ARE NOT TO FOCUS ON THE GIFTS BUT RATHER THE GIVER OF THE GIFTS!
James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” If it’s good, it’s from God. BUT LET’S NOT FORGET GOD!I’ve heard it said that moderation is the key. I think this is true when it comes to enjoying the pleasures of this life. Too much can be too much. Too much of a good thing can destroy a person.
We have it so good and we enjoy it so much! Too much! It seems like we go “whole hog” when it comes to some things in life: eating, playing, pleasure, trips, collecting, etc.
Buffets are not where we just eat, but rather where we gorge ourselves. Our focus is on the food. Our focus is not on giving thanks for what we have but on how much we can get!It seems like we are never content, never satisfied with what we already have. WE ALWAYS WANT MORE.
The lust for more material things and more pleasure dominates and controls our lives to the point where God is put on the sidelines or pushed completely out of the picture of our lives.
I Tim. 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
SOME HAVE WANDERED FROM THE FAITH. When we lust for more and more of the things of this world, the things of God go out the window. Our faith is diluted or drained and done for. Its okay to enjoy the blessings of God but not to the point where they become the main focus of our lives and God is shoved to the sidelines or forgotten.
Be careful not to enjoy the blessings of God so much that we forget the One who has blessed us.
All for Jesus
Phil
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
We Got it Good
Hello Everyone,
There is one thing that we need to make sure that we understand during this Thanksgiving Season and that is WE HAVE IT SO GOOD!
I Tim. 6:17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
Do you remember the “your mama is so poor” jokes we said as kids? Like:
Someone said: Your mama is so poor, she goes to Kentucky Fried Chicken to lick other people’s fingers.
Someone said: Your mama so poor when I ring the doorbell she says, "DING!"
Someone said: Your mama so poor your family ate cereal with a fork to save milk.
Where did you come from? How poor were you when you were a child? What do you now have that you didn’t have?
Many of you grew up with a whole lot less than you have now.
I Tim. 6:17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant...."
Ride around on any given Saturday and you will see that Americans are rich!
They are rich in junk if nothing else!
WE ARE THE RICH OF THIS WORLD and we should not be arrogant about it.
Have you counted up your blessings lately?
All for Jesus
Phil
There is one thing that we need to make sure that we understand during this Thanksgiving Season and that is WE HAVE IT SO GOOD!
I Tim. 6:17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
Do you remember the “your mama is so poor” jokes we said as kids? Like:
Someone said: Your mama is so poor, she goes to Kentucky Fried Chicken to lick other people’s fingers.
Someone said: Your mama so poor when I ring the doorbell she says, "DING!"
Someone said: Your mama so poor your family ate cereal with a fork to save milk.
Where did you come from? How poor were you when you were a child? What do you now have that you didn’t have?
Many of you grew up with a whole lot less than you have now.
I Tim. 6:17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant...."
Ride around on any given Saturday and you will see that Americans are rich!
They are rich in junk if nothing else!
WE ARE THE RICH OF THIS WORLD and we should not be arrogant about it.
Have you counted up your blessings lately?
All for Jesus
Phil
Monday, November 24, 2008
Looking for the Positives
Hello Everyone,
Do you think it would be possible for all of us to make a Commitment to Thanksgiving? I am not talking about the day of, but an attitude of thanksgiving.
I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Make sure you make a note that it does not say for all circumstances but IN all circumstances.
Sometimes the circumstances of our lives are not always the best. In fact, they may be downright bad, but still, we are to look for something to be thankful for! And there is ALWAYS something positive that we can be thankful!Give thanks IN ALL circumstances.
I read this statement this week: “I used to think people complained because they had a lot of problems. But I have come to realize that they have problems because they complain. Complaining doesn’t change anything or make situations better. It amplifies frustration, spreads discontent and discord, and can invoke an invitation for the devil to cause havoc with our lives.”
Complaining makes us miserable. Psalm 77:3 NKJV, “I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed.”
Philippians 2:14 NIV Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
A positive, thankful person is a great witness in this dark world.
We only shine when we are thankful. Instead of looking at the negatives in our lives and complaining, we must look at and for the positives and give thanks.
I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Giving thanks is God’s will for our lives. Giving thanks to God and others is what pleases the Lord.
All for Jesus
Phil
Do you think it would be possible for all of us to make a Commitment to Thanksgiving? I am not talking about the day of, but an attitude of thanksgiving.
I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Make sure you make a note that it does not say for all circumstances but IN all circumstances.
Sometimes the circumstances of our lives are not always the best. In fact, they may be downright bad, but still, we are to look for something to be thankful for! And there is ALWAYS something positive that we can be thankful!Give thanks IN ALL circumstances.
I read this statement this week: “I used to think people complained because they had a lot of problems. But I have come to realize that they have problems because they complain. Complaining doesn’t change anything or make situations better. It amplifies frustration, spreads discontent and discord, and can invoke an invitation for the devil to cause havoc with our lives.”
Complaining makes us miserable. Psalm 77:3 NKJV, “I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed.”
Philippians 2:14 NIV Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
A positive, thankful person is a great witness in this dark world.
We only shine when we are thankful. Instead of looking at the negatives in our lives and complaining, we must look at and for the positives and give thanks.
I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Giving thanks is God’s will for our lives. Giving thanks to God and others is what pleases the Lord.
All for Jesus
Phil
Friday, November 21, 2008
Praise
Hello Everyone,
As we are coming into the Thanksgiving season I pray as Paul prayed for the Colossians that you might be filled with PRAISE.
It is important to notice the difference between praise and prayer. There are some things that we must pray for; but there are blessings that we are to thank God because He has already given them to us, notice the word “has” two times once in Colossians 1:12 and 13, and the word "have" in verse 14.
We do not need to pray, for these things which we have. What are they?
We have His PROVISION, verse 12. He has given us an "inheritance". [Rom. 8:16-17.]
For His POWER, verse 13. Read about His delivering POWER. [Ex. 14:13-31.]
For His PARDON, verse 14.
How we should thank God that all our sins have been removed from us, Psalms 103:12; blotted out, Isaiah. 44:22; cast into the depths of the sea, Micah. 7:19; and that God will remember them against us no more, Heb. 10:17. Thank God!
Oh. how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea:
Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.
All for Jesus
Phil
As we are coming into the Thanksgiving season I pray as Paul prayed for the Colossians that you might be filled with PRAISE.
It is important to notice the difference between praise and prayer. There are some things that we must pray for; but there are blessings that we are to thank God because He has already given them to us, notice the word “has” two times once in Colossians 1:12 and 13, and the word "have" in verse 14.
We do not need to pray, for these things which we have. What are they?
We have His PROVISION, verse 12. He has given us an "inheritance". [Rom. 8:16-17.]
For His POWER, verse 13. Read about His delivering POWER. [Ex. 14:13-31.]
For His PARDON, verse 14.
How we should thank God that all our sins have been removed from us, Psalms 103:12; blotted out, Isaiah. 44:22; cast into the depths of the sea, Micah. 7:19; and that God will remember them against us no more, Heb. 10:17. Thank God!
Oh. how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea:
Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.
All for Jesus
Phil
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Power and Patience
Hello Everyone,
One of my favorite parts of Paul’s prayer for the Church at Colosse is that he prayed that they might be POWERFUL for God’s glory.
Colossians 1:11 says, “being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might”. Paul is praying that they might have the experience of Pentecost, Acts 2:4 [endued with power from on high.]
Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
Philippians 2:13For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Acts 1:8 [ye shall receive power AFTER the Holy Ghost…]
Also Paul prayed that they might have PATIENCE.
Notice three vital words in verse 11, “…endurance and patience, and joyfully”
"Patience" here means "endurance in the face of trial",
1 Cor. 13:4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
The apostle prays that these Christians might endure in the face of fierce testing, that they might do so with a gentle and loving spirit, and that they might be filled with joy, even though called upon to suffer for their Lord. Read Acts 5:41, and 1 Pet. 4:13.
May the Lord make you POWERFUL for God’s glory and may He give you PATIENCE in the face of trails.
All for Jesus
Phil
One of my favorite parts of Paul’s prayer for the Church at Colosse is that he prayed that they might be POWERFUL for God’s glory.
Colossians 1:11 says, “being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might”. Paul is praying that they might have the experience of Pentecost, Acts 2:4 [endued with power from on high.]
Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
Philippians 2:13For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Acts 1:8 [ye shall receive power AFTER the Holy Ghost…]
Also Paul prayed that they might have PATIENCE.
Notice three vital words in verse 11, “…endurance and patience, and joyfully”
"Patience" here means "endurance in the face of trial",
1 Cor. 13:4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
The apostle prays that these Christians might endure in the face of fierce testing, that they might do so with a gentle and loving spirit, and that they might be filled with joy, even though called upon to suffer for their Lord. Read Acts 5:41, and 1 Pet. 4:13.
May the Lord make you POWERFUL for God’s glory and may He give you PATIENCE in the face of trails.
All for Jesus
Phil
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Bearing Fruit
Hello Everyone,
Paul also prayed for the Church at Colosse that they might be PROFITABLE in service.
Colossians 1:10 says, “bearing fruit in every good work…”
Until we become Christians our lives are unprofitable, and it is only when we become believers that we are made profitable.
Do you remember the story about Onesimus in the book of Philemon?
Philemon 1:10-11 KJV I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
The will of God is that our lives should manifest the fruit of the Spirit.
[Gal. 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians. 13:4-7 and 2 Pet. 1:5-7.]
In John 15, we find that there are three stages: fruit, verse 2; more fruit, verse 2; and much fruit, verses 5 and 8.
Look in your Bible and read this and then ask the Lord if you are bearing fruit, more fruit, or much fruit?
The Apostle Paul also prayed that the church at Colosse would be PROGRESSING in the Christian life.
Verse 10 continues, “…growing in the knowledge of God” and the operative word is the word "growing". Paul longed that these Christians should grow. See the beautiful picture in Hos. 14:5-7.
The Christian life is in three stages: little children, young men, and fathers, 1 John 2:12-14.
Open up The Word of God and read these scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
May the Lord help you to be PROFITABLE in service and may you have a desire to be PROGRESSING in the Christian life.
All for Jesus
Phil
Paul also prayed for the Church at Colosse that they might be PROFITABLE in service.
Colossians 1:10 says, “bearing fruit in every good work…”
Until we become Christians our lives are unprofitable, and it is only when we become believers that we are made profitable.
Do you remember the story about Onesimus in the book of Philemon?
Philemon 1:10-11 KJV I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
The will of God is that our lives should manifest the fruit of the Spirit.
[Gal. 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians. 13:4-7 and 2 Pet. 1:5-7.]
In John 15, we find that there are three stages: fruit, verse 2; more fruit, verse 2; and much fruit, verses 5 and 8.
Look in your Bible and read this and then ask the Lord if you are bearing fruit, more fruit, or much fruit?
The Apostle Paul also prayed that the church at Colosse would be PROGRESSING in the Christian life.
Verse 10 continues, “…growing in the knowledge of God” and the operative word is the word "growing". Paul longed that these Christians should grow. See the beautiful picture in Hos. 14:5-7.
The Christian life is in three stages: little children, young men, and fathers, 1 John 2:12-14.
Open up The Word of God and read these scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
May the Lord help you to be PROFITABLE in service and may you have a desire to be PROGRESSING in the Christian life.
All for Jesus
Phil
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
It is time to Pray
Hello Everyone,
What was the content of Paul’s prayer in Col. 1:9-14? As we read we can see that Paul prayed for seven things:
The first part of Paul’s prayer was that the Church at Colosse might be PERCEPTIVE of God’s will.
We see this in verse 9. He prayed that these Colossians "might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding”.
We need spiritual enlightenment in order that we might know the will of God and do it. By nature we cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 2:14 The man (natural man) without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
John 3:6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
Paul also prayed that they might be PLEASING to the Lord.
This is mentioned in verse 10, “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way…”
Romans 15:3 “For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."
Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
In your prayer life this week begin to pray with the Apostle Paul that those you are praying for would be perceptive of God’s will and that they would also be pleasing to the Lord.
All for Jesus
Phil
What was the content of Paul’s prayer in Col. 1:9-14? As we read we can see that Paul prayed for seven things:
The first part of Paul’s prayer was that the Church at Colosse might be PERCEPTIVE of God’s will.
We see this in verse 9. He prayed that these Colossians "might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding”.
We need spiritual enlightenment in order that we might know the will of God and do it. By nature we cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 2:14 The man (natural man) without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
John 3:6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
Paul also prayed that they might be PLEASING to the Lord.
This is mentioned in verse 10, “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way…”
Romans 15:3 “For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."
Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
In your prayer life this week begin to pray with the Apostle Paul that those you are praying for would be perceptive of God’s will and that they would also be pleasing to the Lord.
All for Jesus
Phil
Monday, November 17, 2008
Characteristics of Prayer
Hello Everyone,
Paul was a man of prayer. He was a great Believer, a scholar, a model missionary, a GIANT among men--spiritually, morally and intellectually, but above all he was a man of PRAYER.
His Christian life began in prayer, Acts 9:10-11; he prayed for himself, 2 Corinthians. 12:7-9, he asked others to pray for him, Eph. 6:18-20, and he practiced intercession, praying for others, like Jesus, John 17:9.
It is significant to notice that Paul's prayers were full of praises.
Look at his praises in Col. 1:3 and 12.
3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
And so not only at Thanksgiving, and not just at meals, but always and in all things...give thanks! A study on PRAYER is also a study on PRAISE.In Colossians 1:9-14 Paul is talking about how he was praying for them.
Let’s look at THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PAUL’S PRAYER
Read with me: Colossians 1:9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Verse 9 tells us that: It was marked by PERSISTENCY. “…we have not stopped praying” Paul knew something about unceasing prayer.1 Thessalonians 5:17—“Pray without ceasing”.
Let’s Compare Luke 18:1…“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up”.
Prayer is warfare. Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
If we give up when we are praying the battle goes to the enemy.
Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Paul’s prayer was marked by INTENSITY.
In KJV the word "desire" is used in verse 9. It indicates that Paul was passionate in his praying; his prayers were filled with a deep longing.
There was intensity about them. Compare Matt. 17:21… KJV Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Paul’s prayer was marked by UNITY.
Paul says, “We have not stopped praying for you” You can pray alone but there is special power in united, corporate prayer.
Acts 16:25“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them”.
Matthew 18:19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
These are the characteristics of Paul’s prayer: Persistency, Intensity, & Unity.
They are also good examples for us to follow in our own prayer life.
All for Jesus
Phil
Paul was a man of prayer. He was a great Believer, a scholar, a model missionary, a GIANT among men--spiritually, morally and intellectually, but above all he was a man of PRAYER.
His Christian life began in prayer, Acts 9:10-11; he prayed for himself, 2 Corinthians. 12:7-9, he asked others to pray for him, Eph. 6:18-20, and he practiced intercession, praying for others, like Jesus, John 17:9.
It is significant to notice that Paul's prayers were full of praises.
Look at his praises in Col. 1:3 and 12.
3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
And so not only at Thanksgiving, and not just at meals, but always and in all things...give thanks! A study on PRAYER is also a study on PRAISE.In Colossians 1:9-14 Paul is talking about how he was praying for them.
Let’s look at THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PAUL’S PRAYER
Read with me: Colossians 1:9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Verse 9 tells us that: It was marked by PERSISTENCY. “…we have not stopped praying” Paul knew something about unceasing prayer.1 Thessalonians 5:17—“Pray without ceasing”.
Let’s Compare Luke 18:1…“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up”.
Prayer is warfare. Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
If we give up when we are praying the battle goes to the enemy.
Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Paul’s prayer was marked by INTENSITY.
In KJV the word "desire" is used in verse 9. It indicates that Paul was passionate in his praying; his prayers were filled with a deep longing.
There was intensity about them. Compare Matt. 17:21… KJV Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Paul’s prayer was marked by UNITY.
Paul says, “We have not stopped praying for you” You can pray alone but there is special power in united, corporate prayer.
Acts 16:25“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them”.
Matthew 18:19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
These are the characteristics of Paul’s prayer: Persistency, Intensity, & Unity.
They are also good examples for us to follow in our own prayer life.
All for Jesus
Phil
Friday, November 14, 2008
The New Jerusalem 2-5
Hello Everyone,
There is one thing that we can be sure of as we are looking at all that is in Heaven and that is Heaven is a Place of Righteousness.
Revelation 21:15-17 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. 16The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. 17He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick, by man's measurement, which the angel was using.
1,500 miles squared…that’s huge! From the tip of Maine to the tip of Florida, over to Colorado…and then, it’s that high too!
I’m not even sure what that means, so, Lord, surprise me! Either way, this will make New York City look like a little village! A perfect cube stands for balance and order…perfect in its materials, majesty, and even its measurements!It will be filled with the righteousness of God, and with the “righteous” of God, us!The last thing that we should know about Heaven is that Heaven is a Place of Refuge.
There are four things that won’t be there:
A. No SanctuaryRevelation 21:22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
Why no temple? Because the sanctuary localizes and confines God to 1 location…but all Heaven will be filled with His glory!
B. No Shadows
Revelation 21:23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
The light will be everywhere, the night will be vanquished!
C. No Secrets
Revelation 21:24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.
We live in a war-torn time where people meet behind closed doors and there’s top secret things! But there will be no secrecy there; all will be out in the open and peaceful.
A survey of 6th graders 50 years ago asked what they were most afraid of. The most common answers were “the dark”, and “mean dogs.” They repeated that survey recently, and the top 2 was “mom and dad getting a divorce” and “nuclear war” was the top one.
D. No sinners
Revelation 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
How do you get your name written there? By grace alone, thru faith alone, in Christ alone put your faith and trust in Him alone as your only hope for heaven!If there was a place like we’ve have described here on earth, wouldn’t you do anything you could to go there?
It’s real, it’s the New Jerusalem. And Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
All for Jesus
Phil
There is one thing that we can be sure of as we are looking at all that is in Heaven and that is Heaven is a Place of Righteousness.
Revelation 21:15-17 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. 16The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. 17He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick, by man's measurement, which the angel was using.
1,500 miles squared…that’s huge! From the tip of Maine to the tip of Florida, over to Colorado…and then, it’s that high too!
I’m not even sure what that means, so, Lord, surprise me! Either way, this will make New York City look like a little village! A perfect cube stands for balance and order…perfect in its materials, majesty, and even its measurements!It will be filled with the righteousness of God, and with the “righteous” of God, us!The last thing that we should know about Heaven is that Heaven is a Place of Refuge.
There are four things that won’t be there:
A. No SanctuaryRevelation 21:22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
Why no temple? Because the sanctuary localizes and confines God to 1 location…but all Heaven will be filled with His glory!
B. No Shadows
Revelation 21:23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
The light will be everywhere, the night will be vanquished!
C. No Secrets
Revelation 21:24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.
We live in a war-torn time where people meet behind closed doors and there’s top secret things! But there will be no secrecy there; all will be out in the open and peaceful.
A survey of 6th graders 50 years ago asked what they were most afraid of. The most common answers were “the dark”, and “mean dogs.” They repeated that survey recently, and the top 2 was “mom and dad getting a divorce” and “nuclear war” was the top one.
D. No sinners
Revelation 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
How do you get your name written there? By grace alone, thru faith alone, in Christ alone put your faith and trust in Him alone as your only hope for heaven!If there was a place like we’ve have described here on earth, wouldn’t you do anything you could to go there?
It’s real, it’s the New Jerusalem. And Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
All for Jesus
Phil
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The New Jerusalem 2-4
Hello Everyone,
Heaven is a place of great riches. Read with me Revelation 21:18:
The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.
Walls=protection.
v. 18 In Bible His-story, walls were all about protection…an un-walled city was vulnerable, an easy target.
And the enemies of earth will be no more…sickness cannot scale those walls, heartache cannot tunnel under…no crime or perversion, nothing to harm, nothing to molest, nothing to injure, nothing to destroy, and so, nothing to fear! No viruses, no disease, no pestilence, and no public enemy #1…death!
We’re all trying to outrun death…that’s why we go to the doctor, health club, eat right, etc. When we were kids, we thought life would never pass us by.
If life was a book then the pages turned sooooooooooo slowly, didn’t they “oh, I wanna be 10 like the big kids/13 and be a teenager, 16 and be able to drive, I want to be 18 and graduate, I want to be 21 and be able to vote, and do other things! [if not saved!]”
But ever since then life has flown by! And we try to outrun death, but eventually it catches us down here, but not “up there!” Death won’t be allowed in!
Gates=provision.
v. 21 Who started the stories about St. Peter standing at the gates of heaven? It’s not Biblical. But each of the 12 gates is guarded by an angel. If every gate is 1 pearl, they are gigantic…and it’s a reminder of God’s provision.
A pearl—how is it created? There’s not much to it, really. If you crush it, you’ll have a handful of powdery lime…the same substance as ordinary chalk. And the value of a pearl is not about how it’s cut, like a diamond…for if you cut a pearl you ruin it.
A pearls value is in the way that it’s made. A pearl is made in the depths of the sea in the heart of a living oyster. Something invades that oysters shell, like a little grain of sand. It begins to cut, irritate, and dig into that soft oyster.
The oyster begins to secrete that white, milky substance…layer after layer, it hardens, and finally you have a perfectly formed, brilliant, round, shiny pearl.The pearl is the oyster’s answer to that which wounded it! The pearl owes its existence to the will of the oyster to “cover” that which hurt it!2 parts in the formation of the pearl: the cutting and the covering…what a wonderful spiritual lesson there is here for us.
For there’s the same 2 basic parts to salvation!
Sin invaded God’s perfect world, and it cut away at the heart of God, but He was willing by His own blood to cover it!Ours was the cutting…God’s was the covering!
Calvary was God’s answer to man’s sin…and as we walk thru those gates we’ll be reminded of this fact!
We cannot enter in of ourselves…we won’t be there because of us, but because of Him, and He made us His pearl of great price!
Streets of gold=praise
v. 21 Gold is a symbol of the glory, honor, and majesty of God. That’s why so much gold was used in the OT temple. Won’t it be great to truly be able to lift up the Lord in the way He deserves without the restraints of this sinful human flesh?
Ill.— An old tongue-tied preacher of years ago, was often criticized for how much he shouted and got happy in Jesus. Somebody asked him why he always praised the Lord so audibly and outwardly. He said, “I just can’t hep it, when my left foot hits the floor it says hallelujah, and when my right foot hits the floor it says, praise the Lord, and so it’s hallelujah, praise the Lord, hallelujah, praise the Lord, everywhere I go!”
And that’s how it will be for us walking down those streets of gold in heaven!So, heaven is a place of riches… and it has been prepared for the redeemed.
All for Jesus
Phil
Heaven is a place of great riches. Read with me Revelation 21:18:
The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.
Walls=protection.
v. 18 In Bible His-story, walls were all about protection…an un-walled city was vulnerable, an easy target.
And the enemies of earth will be no more…sickness cannot scale those walls, heartache cannot tunnel under…no crime or perversion, nothing to harm, nothing to molest, nothing to injure, nothing to destroy, and so, nothing to fear! No viruses, no disease, no pestilence, and no public enemy #1…death!
We’re all trying to outrun death…that’s why we go to the doctor, health club, eat right, etc. When we were kids, we thought life would never pass us by.
If life was a book then the pages turned sooooooooooo slowly, didn’t they “oh, I wanna be 10 like the big kids/13 and be a teenager, 16 and be able to drive, I want to be 18 and graduate, I want to be 21 and be able to vote, and do other things! [if not saved!]”
But ever since then life has flown by! And we try to outrun death, but eventually it catches us down here, but not “up there!” Death won’t be allowed in!
Gates=provision.
v. 21 Who started the stories about St. Peter standing at the gates of heaven? It’s not Biblical. But each of the 12 gates is guarded by an angel. If every gate is 1 pearl, they are gigantic…and it’s a reminder of God’s provision.
A pearl—how is it created? There’s not much to it, really. If you crush it, you’ll have a handful of powdery lime…the same substance as ordinary chalk. And the value of a pearl is not about how it’s cut, like a diamond…for if you cut a pearl you ruin it.
A pearls value is in the way that it’s made. A pearl is made in the depths of the sea in the heart of a living oyster. Something invades that oysters shell, like a little grain of sand. It begins to cut, irritate, and dig into that soft oyster.
The oyster begins to secrete that white, milky substance…layer after layer, it hardens, and finally you have a perfectly formed, brilliant, round, shiny pearl.The pearl is the oyster’s answer to that which wounded it! The pearl owes its existence to the will of the oyster to “cover” that which hurt it!2 parts in the formation of the pearl: the cutting and the covering…what a wonderful spiritual lesson there is here for us.
For there’s the same 2 basic parts to salvation!
Sin invaded God’s perfect world, and it cut away at the heart of God, but He was willing by His own blood to cover it!Ours was the cutting…God’s was the covering!
Calvary was God’s answer to man’s sin…and as we walk thru those gates we’ll be reminded of this fact!
We cannot enter in of ourselves…we won’t be there because of us, but because of Him, and He made us His pearl of great price!
Streets of gold=praise
v. 21 Gold is a symbol of the glory, honor, and majesty of God. That’s why so much gold was used in the OT temple. Won’t it be great to truly be able to lift up the Lord in the way He deserves without the restraints of this sinful human flesh?
Ill.— An old tongue-tied preacher of years ago, was often criticized for how much he shouted and got happy in Jesus. Somebody asked him why he always praised the Lord so audibly and outwardly. He said, “I just can’t hep it, when my left foot hits the floor it says hallelujah, and when my right foot hits the floor it says, praise the Lord, and so it’s hallelujah, praise the Lord, hallelujah, praise the Lord, everywhere I go!”
And that’s how it will be for us walking down those streets of gold in heaven!So, heaven is a place of riches… and it has been prepared for the redeemed.
All for Jesus
Phil
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The New Jerusalem 2-3
Hello Everyone,
If I was going to move somewhere, say to Wyoming or South Dakota, I’d send off for info., search the web, etc. And we should study about Heaven, for we will spend eternity there!
And there is one thing that we know for sure about Heaven and that is that Heaven is a Place of Riches.
Revelation 21:18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.
• Foundations=represent permanence• Walls=protection• Gates=provision• Streets=praise
A buildings foundation is usually underground, and cannot be clearly seen, but this one is visible, and not only visible, but 12 layers thick! And each of the 12 foundations is garnished with a different jewel.
The jasper will be clear crystalSapphire-blueChalcedony-greenish blueEmerald-deep greenSardonyx-white w/ brown streaksSardius—blood redChrysolite-yellow quartzBeryl-greenTopaz-yellowish greenChrysoprasus-apple greenJacinth-blueAmethyst-purpleJust picture this…all of these colors represent something about the character and nature of the Lord Jesus.
Blue=deity, white=purity, purple=royalty [Just like the multi-colored veil in the holy temple]
I believe these foundations will also represent His grace and His wisdom.
1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Eph. 3:10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
Manifold=multi-faceted, multi-colored. There are many different shades to the grace of God and the wisdom of God…it is manifold!
His ways and His thoughts are high above our own. His grace is greater than our comprehension!I believe the primary idea of these foundations is permanence.
You see, you can build a dog house on dirt, a storage shed on a simple slab, but if you’re going to build a house and you want it to be there in 100 years or more, you’d better have a good, strong foundation.
And every time we look on those foundations we’ll be reminded of its permanence. “10,000 years, and we’ll just be started!”
Are you ready to go there?
All for Jesus
Phil
If I was going to move somewhere, say to Wyoming or South Dakota, I’d send off for info., search the web, etc. And we should study about Heaven, for we will spend eternity there!
And there is one thing that we know for sure about Heaven and that is that Heaven is a Place of Riches.
Revelation 21:18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.
• Foundations=represent permanence• Walls=protection• Gates=provision• Streets=praise
A buildings foundation is usually underground, and cannot be clearly seen, but this one is visible, and not only visible, but 12 layers thick! And each of the 12 foundations is garnished with a different jewel.
The jasper will be clear crystalSapphire-blueChalcedony-greenish blueEmerald-deep greenSardonyx-white w/ brown streaksSardius—blood redChrysolite-yellow quartzBeryl-greenTopaz-yellowish greenChrysoprasus-apple greenJacinth-blueAmethyst-purpleJust picture this…all of these colors represent something about the character and nature of the Lord Jesus.
Blue=deity, white=purity, purple=royalty [Just like the multi-colored veil in the holy temple]
I believe these foundations will also represent His grace and His wisdom.
1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Eph. 3:10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
Manifold=multi-faceted, multi-colored. There are many different shades to the grace of God and the wisdom of God…it is manifold!
His ways and His thoughts are high above our own. His grace is greater than our comprehension!I believe the primary idea of these foundations is permanence.
You see, you can build a dog house on dirt, a storage shed on a simple slab, but if you’re going to build a house and you want it to be there in 100 years or more, you’d better have a good, strong foundation.
And every time we look on those foundations we’ll be reminded of its permanence. “10,000 years, and we’ll just be started!”
Are you ready to go there?
All for Jesus
Phil
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The New Jerusalem 2-2
Hello Everyone,
Charles H. Spurgeon in training young ministers said to his students, "When you talk about heaven let your face light up with a heavenly glory. When you tell about hell, your everyday face will do".
As believers our face should shine with the HOPE that is within us. Especially when we are talking about Heaven, we have a promise from the One who we love so much that He is preparing a place for us.
One of the greatest things about Heaven is that Heaven will be a Restricted Place.
In Revelation 21:8 right in the middle of this positive, beautiful description of heaven, God gives us a list of some who will not be there.
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
Why does God include this info? Perhaps to show that the sin which has cursed and ultimately destroyed this world will NOT be allowed into the next!
The fearful—never accepted Christ, afraid to take the stand.The unbelieving—didn’t believe at all in Christ or the Bible.The abominable—not just sinners…these have committed abominations.
From God’s perspective, there’s no difference between big and little sins…but this is encouragement of what WON’T be there and we need to understand from a human perspective.
What are some abominations?
Lev. 18:22 says homosexuality is.
Deut. 17:3 says astrology and horoscopes are abominations.
Deut. 18 says consulting a medium, fortuneteller, a wizard, or somehow communicates w/ the dead, they have committed an abomination.
Proverbs 20 says cheating in business is an abomination. “false balance”
Proverbs 12 says compulsive lying is an abomination.
Proverbs 16 says a heart full of pride is an abomination.
And heaven is off limits to all of these things. Don’t miss this truth however: any of these people can be saved, and you don’t have to commit an abomination to be lost, just 1 sin!
Rejoice in the fact of what will not be there but the greatest thing is hopefully you and I have made plans to be there.
So “let your face light up with a heavenly glory”.
All for Jesus
Phil
Charles H. Spurgeon in training young ministers said to his students, "When you talk about heaven let your face light up with a heavenly glory. When you tell about hell, your everyday face will do".
As believers our face should shine with the HOPE that is within us. Especially when we are talking about Heaven, we have a promise from the One who we love so much that He is preparing a place for us.
One of the greatest things about Heaven is that Heaven will be a Restricted Place.
In Revelation 21:8 right in the middle of this positive, beautiful description of heaven, God gives us a list of some who will not be there.
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
Why does God include this info? Perhaps to show that the sin which has cursed and ultimately destroyed this world will NOT be allowed into the next!
The fearful—never accepted Christ, afraid to take the stand.The unbelieving—didn’t believe at all in Christ or the Bible.The abominable—not just sinners…these have committed abominations.
From God’s perspective, there’s no difference between big and little sins…but this is encouragement of what WON’T be there and we need to understand from a human perspective.
What are some abominations?
Lev. 18:22 says homosexuality is.
Deut. 17:3 says astrology and horoscopes are abominations.
Deut. 18 says consulting a medium, fortuneteller, a wizard, or somehow communicates w/ the dead, they have committed an abomination.
Proverbs 20 says cheating in business is an abomination. “false balance”
Proverbs 12 says compulsive lying is an abomination.
Proverbs 16 says a heart full of pride is an abomination.
And heaven is off limits to all of these things. Don’t miss this truth however: any of these people can be saved, and you don’t have to commit an abomination to be lost, just 1 sin!
Rejoice in the fact of what will not be there but the greatest thing is hopefully you and I have made plans to be there.
So “let your face light up with a heavenly glory”.
All for Jesus
Phil
Monday, November 10, 2008
The New Jerusalem 2-1
Hello Everyone,
In Revelation 21 John rights: “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband”.
The New Jerusalem is the capital of the eternal kingdom. God has, by this time, destroyed our universe, our heaven and earth, and this is a new one. And this is the capital city!
Will there be room for everyone? Sure! First of all, not as many will be there as some believe. The Word says: “narrow is the way, few there be that find it.”
But it will be 1,500 miles squared…a perfect cube…in other words, it’s that high, that long, that wide!
There would be room for every human who has ever lived if they had all been saved.One thing we understand about Heaven is that Heaven is a Place of Refreshing
Revelaton21:6 say: He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life”.
Have you ever been really thirsty? You don’t want milk. Sometimes you want a soda or tea or lemonade, but even those won’t do when you’re REALLY thirsty…you want what? Water!
How satisfying! And in heaven, every righteous desire that we have will be perfectly and completely satisfied, once and for all!
Here on earth we pursue happiness, but don’t ever completely find it, but in heaven that thirst will be quenched! And in heaven, we’ll know as we are known…all life’s thirsts will be quenched!
All for Jesus
Phil
In Revelation 21 John rights: “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband”.
The New Jerusalem is the capital of the eternal kingdom. God has, by this time, destroyed our universe, our heaven and earth, and this is a new one. And this is the capital city!
Will there be room for everyone? Sure! First of all, not as many will be there as some believe. The Word says: “narrow is the way, few there be that find it.”
But it will be 1,500 miles squared…a perfect cube…in other words, it’s that high, that long, that wide!
There would be room for every human who has ever lived if they had all been saved.One thing we understand about Heaven is that Heaven is a Place of Refreshing
Revelaton21:6 say: He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life”.
Have you ever been really thirsty? You don’t want milk. Sometimes you want a soda or tea or lemonade, but even those won’t do when you’re REALLY thirsty…you want what? Water!
How satisfying! And in heaven, every righteous desire that we have will be perfectly and completely satisfied, once and for all!
Here on earth we pursue happiness, but don’t ever completely find it, but in heaven that thirst will be quenched! And in heaven, we’ll know as we are known…all life’s thirsts will be quenched!
All for Jesus
Phil
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Learning To Be Content 5
Hello Everyone,
To learn to be content we need to always “REFOCUS ON WHAT'S GOING TO LAST”.
Give your attention to permanent values. Reorganize your life around eternal priorities.
II Cor. 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Everything you see is temporary. Nothing you see is going to last.
Everything you see in the world is eventually going to decay or rust or wear out or fall apart -- it will eventually not exist, because all possessions are temporary.
The only things that really last for eternity are things you can't see -- relationship to God, relationship to others, values, freedom -- things you can't see.
The worse thing about materialism is it clouds our vision of God.
We begin to think that all there is really to life is just things and that's so wrong. There is so much more to life than just getting things.
Our perspective gets warped.
Each of us has to make a choice, is my life style going to be determined by culture or by Christ, by the Master or by Madison Avenue. What's really important?
If you want to break the materialism grip in your life, buying things we don't need with money that we don't have, take these four steps and learn to be Content.
All For Jesus
Phil
To learn to be content we need to always “REFOCUS ON WHAT'S GOING TO LAST”.
Give your attention to permanent values. Reorganize your life around eternal priorities.
II Cor. 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Everything you see is temporary. Nothing you see is going to last.
Everything you see in the world is eventually going to decay or rust or wear out or fall apart -- it will eventually not exist, because all possessions are temporary.
The only things that really last for eternity are things you can't see -- relationship to God, relationship to others, values, freedom -- things you can't see.
The worse thing about materialism is it clouds our vision of God.
We begin to think that all there is really to life is just things and that's so wrong. There is so much more to life than just getting things.
Our perspective gets warped.
Each of us has to make a choice, is my life style going to be determined by culture or by Christ, by the Master or by Madison Avenue. What's really important?
If you want to break the materialism grip in your life, buying things we don't need with money that we don't have, take these four steps and learn to be Content.
All For Jesus
Phil
Learning To Be Content 4
Hello Everyone,
One way to learn to be content is to RELEASE WHAT I HAVE TO HELP OTHERS.
God doesn't want to just bless you for your own benefit. He wants you to share it, help other people with it. He's watching you to see how much you give away.
17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. I Tim. 6:17-19
This is a very, very important verse. First, who's it talking to? "Tell those who are rich". Who does that involve? If you're an American you're rich.
I don't care if you're on welfare; if you're an American you're rich. In the world, the people in America are in the top 2% of income of the world. You're rich, no matter how little you make, because you're an American.
This verse is talking to us. The question is, is it possible to be wealthy and not be materialistic? Yes.
Materialistic is an attitude. You can be poor and greedy or rich and greedy. You can be poor and contented or wealthy and contented. It's an attitude not the amount that God's talking about here.
How can I be wealthy and not materialistic? As long as you follow the four precautions in this verse. If you follow these four things you can be as wealthy as you want and you won't be materialistic.
1. Don't become proud of your wealth. Don't think you're better than somebody because you've got more money than they've got.
2. Don't put your trust in money. Don't look to it for your security. Security is not in your bank account. Your security is in God. Bank accounts can be lost overnight in a million different ways. Don't put you security in money, no matter how much or how little you have.
3. Use your money to do good. Don't waste it. If you've got a lot of money, don't squander it. Don't blow it. Use it to do good.
4. Give cheerfully. The Bible says that the more we receive the more we are to give.
Giving is the cure for the disease of materialism because it is the opposite. The root of materialism is the word "get" -- get, get, get, get... The opposite of getting is giving. So every time I give to somebody else, a friend, my tithe,... I'm breaking the grip of materialism in my life.
It's saying "I can get along without this." It's a spiritual victory every time you're generous.
God says, you do these four things and you'll be OK. You're handling it all right. The benefit: "You will be storing up real treasure in heaven."
The Bible says every time you give away, you're storing it up.
It's like you're sending it on ahead and God's taking an account of it. You're sending it on ahead, every time you give.
What do you send on ahead? Acts 20:35 …remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
When you get more excited about what you give away than what you get, that's a mark of maturity.
When God looks down on you and sees you sharing what
He's blessed you with, with other people who are in need, it blesses His heart.
All For Jesus
Phil
One way to learn to be content is to RELEASE WHAT I HAVE TO HELP OTHERS.
God doesn't want to just bless you for your own benefit. He wants you to share it, help other people with it. He's watching you to see how much you give away.
17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. I Tim. 6:17-19
This is a very, very important verse. First, who's it talking to? "Tell those who are rich". Who does that involve? If you're an American you're rich.
I don't care if you're on welfare; if you're an American you're rich. In the world, the people in America are in the top 2% of income of the world. You're rich, no matter how little you make, because you're an American.
This verse is talking to us. The question is, is it possible to be wealthy and not be materialistic? Yes.
Materialistic is an attitude. You can be poor and greedy or rich and greedy. You can be poor and contented or wealthy and contented. It's an attitude not the amount that God's talking about here.
How can I be wealthy and not materialistic? As long as you follow the four precautions in this verse. If you follow these four things you can be as wealthy as you want and you won't be materialistic.
1. Don't become proud of your wealth. Don't think you're better than somebody because you've got more money than they've got.
2. Don't put your trust in money. Don't look to it for your security. Security is not in your bank account. Your security is in God. Bank accounts can be lost overnight in a million different ways. Don't put you security in money, no matter how much or how little you have.
3. Use your money to do good. Don't waste it. If you've got a lot of money, don't squander it. Don't blow it. Use it to do good.
4. Give cheerfully. The Bible says that the more we receive the more we are to give.
Giving is the cure for the disease of materialism because it is the opposite. The root of materialism is the word "get" -- get, get, get, get... The opposite of getting is giving. So every time I give to somebody else, a friend, my tithe,... I'm breaking the grip of materialism in my life.
It's saying "I can get along without this." It's a spiritual victory every time you're generous.
God says, you do these four things and you'll be OK. You're handling it all right. The benefit: "You will be storing up real treasure in heaven."
The Bible says every time you give away, you're storing it up.
It's like you're sending it on ahead and God's taking an account of it. You're sending it on ahead, every time you give.
What do you send on ahead? Acts 20:35 …remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
When you get more excited about what you give away than what you get, that's a mark of maturity.
When God looks down on you and sees you sharing what
He's blessed you with, with other people who are in need, it blesses His heart.
All For Jesus
Phil
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Learning To Be Content 3
Hello Everyone,
We have talked about the effects of wanting too much. Now let’s look at HOW TO LEARN CONTENTMENT.
The first step in learning to be content is RESIST COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHERS.
Comparing always leads to coveting.
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 2 Cor. 10:12
That means it's dumb! If you're comparing yourself -- houses, cars, jobs, looks, and clothes -- it's stupid. It's not wise. God says you just create dissatisfaction.
How do you react when you see somebody with a nicer car? Do you say, "I wish I had that" or can you just be glad that they've got it. How do you react when you see somebody with a nicer house or more beautiful furniture? One of the greatest lessons you can learn, learn to admire without having to acquire.
You can't own everything. Learn to admire without having to acquire.
Why do we compare? The Bible says don't do it. We compare because in our society the way we keep score is by possessions.
We're insecure. We're always looking around and asking "How am I doing"? Listen Your net worth has absolutely no relationship to your self worth.
You can be a millionaire and a jerk or be poor and be wonderful.
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. I Tim. 6:9
Things can control us. You can be possessed by your possessions if you don't watch out. People will sacrifice values, morals, integrity, all kinds of things in order to get more.
They'll even sacrifice relationships to get another dollar.
Did you hear about the lady that won the lottery? She won 17 million dollars. She called home to her live-in boyfriend, "I've just won the lottery. I'm worth 17 million dollars. Start packing." The boy friend said, "Great, warm weather or cold weather," She said, "It doesn't matter as long as you're gone when I get home."
They'll sacrifice relationships.
To be content we should REJOICE IN WHAT I DO HAVE.
Appreciate what you've got and be grateful to God. Open your eyes.
Eccl. 5:19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.
Circle "enjoy" and "gift". God says I want you to enjoy and be grateful for what you've got. It's a gift. You wouldn't have anything if it weren't for God. It's all a gift from God.
We get into a trap I call “When” and “Then” Thinking. When and Then
Thinking says, "When I get ________________, then I'll be happy."
What are you waiting on to make you happy? When I get married then I'll be happy. When I get out of this marriage then I'll be happy. When I have kids then I'll be happy. You are as happy as you want to be.
It's your choice. Forget the “When” and “Then” Thinking.
Happiness is not getting whatever you want. Happiness is enjoying whatever you have.
The fact is God wants you to enjoy what you've got. He commands you to enjoy what you've got.
2 Timothy says God has richly provided us with everything for our enjoyment. God wants you to enjoy what you already have. Rejoice in it. God enjoys watching you enjoy what He's given you.
I enjoy watching my kids enjoy what I've given them. God enjoys watching you enjoy what He's given you.
Proverbs 15:27 "A greedy man brings trouble to his family."
One of the marks of maturity is when you can say "enough's enough, I'm happy." There are two ways to have enough in life: get more or want less.
All For Jesus
Phil
We have talked about the effects of wanting too much. Now let’s look at HOW TO LEARN CONTENTMENT.
The first step in learning to be content is RESIST COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHERS.
Comparing always leads to coveting.
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 2 Cor. 10:12
That means it's dumb! If you're comparing yourself -- houses, cars, jobs, looks, and clothes -- it's stupid. It's not wise. God says you just create dissatisfaction.
How do you react when you see somebody with a nicer car? Do you say, "I wish I had that" or can you just be glad that they've got it. How do you react when you see somebody with a nicer house or more beautiful furniture? One of the greatest lessons you can learn, learn to admire without having to acquire.
You can't own everything. Learn to admire without having to acquire.
Why do we compare? The Bible says don't do it. We compare because in our society the way we keep score is by possessions.
We're insecure. We're always looking around and asking "How am I doing"? Listen Your net worth has absolutely no relationship to your self worth.
You can be a millionaire and a jerk or be poor and be wonderful.
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. I Tim. 6:9
Things can control us. You can be possessed by your possessions if you don't watch out. People will sacrifice values, morals, integrity, all kinds of things in order to get more.
They'll even sacrifice relationships to get another dollar.
Did you hear about the lady that won the lottery? She won 17 million dollars. She called home to her live-in boyfriend, "I've just won the lottery. I'm worth 17 million dollars. Start packing." The boy friend said, "Great, warm weather or cold weather," She said, "It doesn't matter as long as you're gone when I get home."
They'll sacrifice relationships.
To be content we should REJOICE IN WHAT I DO HAVE.
Appreciate what you've got and be grateful to God. Open your eyes.
Eccl. 5:19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.
Circle "enjoy" and "gift". God says I want you to enjoy and be grateful for what you've got. It's a gift. You wouldn't have anything if it weren't for God. It's all a gift from God.
We get into a trap I call “When” and “Then” Thinking. When and Then
Thinking says, "When I get ________________, then I'll be happy."
What are you waiting on to make you happy? When I get married then I'll be happy. When I get out of this marriage then I'll be happy. When I have kids then I'll be happy. You are as happy as you want to be.
It's your choice. Forget the “When” and “Then” Thinking.
Happiness is not getting whatever you want. Happiness is enjoying whatever you have.
The fact is God wants you to enjoy what you've got. He commands you to enjoy what you've got.
2 Timothy says God has richly provided us with everything for our enjoyment. God wants you to enjoy what you already have. Rejoice in it. God enjoys watching you enjoy what He's given you.
I enjoy watching my kids enjoy what I've given them. God enjoys watching you enjoy what He's given you.
Proverbs 15:27 "A greedy man brings trouble to his family."
One of the marks of maturity is when you can say "enough's enough, I'm happy." There are two ways to have enough in life: get more or want less.
All For Jesus
Phil
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Learning To Be Content 2
Hello Everyone,
Contentment is a learning process. Contentment does not come naturally. Read with me in Exodus 20:17:
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Another effect of always wanting more is Worry.
The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep. Eccl 5:12
When we focus on things we always inevitably worry. The more you have, the more you have to worry about. How am I going to protect it?
How am I going to save it? How am I going to invest it? How am I going to insure it? How am I going to avoid taxes on it? How am I going to keep from losing it?
The more you have, the more you've got to worry about. The blue collar man works a hard day's labor, goes home, watches TV, loves his wife, goes to sleep, sound.
The white collar man comes home with his briefcase, he brings his work home with him, he's frustrated, he's thinking about it all night, he tosses and turns.
I read about a study that said insomnia increases with income.
You add these first three together -- fatigue, debt, worry and you get a fourth effect of always wanting more..
Conflict:
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you”? James 4:1
Conflict comes when we always want more. The number one cause of divorce is financial tension.
God says, "Don't covet what is somebody else's." Don't covet somebody else's job, car, house, wife, husband. God says don't do it.
When there is always a desire to acquire more it also brings with it Dissatisfaction.
Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. Eccl. 5:10
The Living Bible says "It's foolish to think wealth brings happiness!" Things can bring happiness for a while. But the thrill doesn't last. The excitement wears off.
Why? Why don't things keep you permanently happy? Because things don't change and human beings like change. If things don't change we get bored with them.
Pretty soon you have to redecorate, or remodel or repair or replace or at least rearrange it. Things don't give permanent happiness.
Things do not bring lasting happiness. It's a temporary thrill. And coveting is the number one reason for dissatisfaction in our world.
What is the antidote to coveting?
The antidote to coveting is contentment. Paul says, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Phil 4:12
Circle "learned".
Contentment is something you have to learn. It does not come natural.
All For Jesus
Phil
Contentment is a learning process. Contentment does not come naturally. Read with me in Exodus 20:17:
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Another effect of always wanting more is Worry.
The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep. Eccl 5:12
When we focus on things we always inevitably worry. The more you have, the more you have to worry about. How am I going to protect it?
How am I going to save it? How am I going to invest it? How am I going to insure it? How am I going to avoid taxes on it? How am I going to keep from losing it?
The more you have, the more you've got to worry about. The blue collar man works a hard day's labor, goes home, watches TV, loves his wife, goes to sleep, sound.
The white collar man comes home with his briefcase, he brings his work home with him, he's frustrated, he's thinking about it all night, he tosses and turns.
I read about a study that said insomnia increases with income.
You add these first three together -- fatigue, debt, worry and you get a fourth effect of always wanting more..
Conflict:
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you”? James 4:1
Conflict comes when we always want more. The number one cause of divorce is financial tension.
God says, "Don't covet what is somebody else's." Don't covet somebody else's job, car, house, wife, husband. God says don't do it.
When there is always a desire to acquire more it also brings with it Dissatisfaction.
Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. Eccl. 5:10
The Living Bible says "It's foolish to think wealth brings happiness!" Things can bring happiness for a while. But the thrill doesn't last. The excitement wears off.
Why? Why don't things keep you permanently happy? Because things don't change and human beings like change. If things don't change we get bored with them.
Pretty soon you have to redecorate, or remodel or repair or replace or at least rearrange it. Things don't give permanent happiness.
Things do not bring lasting happiness. It's a temporary thrill. And coveting is the number one reason for dissatisfaction in our world.
What is the antidote to coveting?
The antidote to coveting is contentment. Paul says, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Phil 4:12
Circle "learned".
Contentment is something you have to learn. It does not come natural.
All For Jesus
Phil
Monday, November 3, 2008
Learning To Be Content 1
Hello Everyone,
In Exodus 20:17 is the last of the “Ten Commandments” read with me:
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
A recent survey of female teenagers discovered that 93% of female teenagers said that their number one favorite pastime was shopping. That beat out dating as the number one activity.
I heard about one fellow who said: "If my wife doesn't go shopping at least three times a week, I send her a get well card."
This week we're going to wrap up the last in this series on the Ten Commandments. The Tenth Commandment says "You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor."
In the next 60 days you are going to be bombarded with Christmas catalogues and you will not hear the word covet used very often but you will see plenty of examples of it.
This is the season of coveting that we are coming into. I don't know a more appropriate message to end this series as we begin the Christmas season than a message on coveting.
What is coveting? Covet: the uncontrolled desire to acquire.
The desire to acquire in itself is not bad. God put it in you. God made squirrels and He gave them the desire to acquire nuts. And He made birds and He gave them the desire to acquire straw to build nests.
And He filled the world with all kinds of exciting, wonderful, good; desirable things and He's give you the desire to acquire them, that in and of it self is not bad. But anything uncontrolled is a problem.
God says there are some things that are off limits.
They are not yours to want. They will harm you. So it must be controlled.
It is hard, in our culture, to want to be content with what you have.
Today I want us to look at:
THE EFFECT OF ALWAYS WANTING MORE
The Bible says there are some very specific effects when I don't control this drive to acquire, this coveting.
One effect is Fatigue.
In our push to get more (and never in history have we been so pushed to get so much so quickly) we overwork and take on second jobs. Everybody in the family works. It's the material rat-race and everybody's tired.
Proverbs 23:4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
It's dumb to wear yourself out just trying to get more.
Another effect is Debt.
Eccl. 5:11 "As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?
Coveting destroys budgets. We think the problem is I just don't make enough money. No, it's not that you don't make enough money you want too much.
A lot of things we think are needs are really greeds. The average American puts $1300 on credit for every $1000 he makes.
That's caused deficit spending and the only people who can get away with that is the government. And they won't get away with it forever. It doesn't work that way.
So because we want more we get further and further in debt. It always costs more to have more. “If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence you can bet the water bill is higher too”.
All For Jesus
Phil
In Exodus 20:17 is the last of the “Ten Commandments” read with me:
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
A recent survey of female teenagers discovered that 93% of female teenagers said that their number one favorite pastime was shopping. That beat out dating as the number one activity.
I heard about one fellow who said: "If my wife doesn't go shopping at least three times a week, I send her a get well card."
This week we're going to wrap up the last in this series on the Ten Commandments. The Tenth Commandment says "You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor."
In the next 60 days you are going to be bombarded with Christmas catalogues and you will not hear the word covet used very often but you will see plenty of examples of it.
This is the season of coveting that we are coming into. I don't know a more appropriate message to end this series as we begin the Christmas season than a message on coveting.
What is coveting? Covet: the uncontrolled desire to acquire.
The desire to acquire in itself is not bad. God put it in you. God made squirrels and He gave them the desire to acquire nuts. And He made birds and He gave them the desire to acquire straw to build nests.
And He filled the world with all kinds of exciting, wonderful, good; desirable things and He's give you the desire to acquire them, that in and of it self is not bad. But anything uncontrolled is a problem.
God says there are some things that are off limits.
They are not yours to want. They will harm you. So it must be controlled.
It is hard, in our culture, to want to be content with what you have.
Today I want us to look at:
THE EFFECT OF ALWAYS WANTING MORE
The Bible says there are some very specific effects when I don't control this drive to acquire, this coveting.
One effect is Fatigue.
In our push to get more (and never in history have we been so pushed to get so much so quickly) we overwork and take on second jobs. Everybody in the family works. It's the material rat-race and everybody's tired.
Proverbs 23:4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
It's dumb to wear yourself out just trying to get more.
Another effect is Debt.
Eccl. 5:11 "As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?
Coveting destroys budgets. We think the problem is I just don't make enough money. No, it's not that you don't make enough money you want too much.
A lot of things we think are needs are really greeds. The average American puts $1300 on credit for every $1000 he makes.
That's caused deficit spending and the only people who can get away with that is the government. And they won't get away with it forever. It doesn't work that way.
So because we want more we get further and further in debt. It always costs more to have more. “If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence you can bet the water bill is higher too”.
All For Jesus
Phil
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)